A Biofiltration System

About

A biofiltration system using a biofilm contact reactor has been developed to remove organic contaminants from wastewater. A biofilm is used as a biological scrubber, removing organic matter, and trapping solids from wastewater. When the biofilm becomes to thick and heavy to remain attached within the system, it is shed and the system provides for a novel means to remove waste biofilm biomass from the system and treated water, whilst a new biofilm develops without interrupting the operation of the system. Technical Description: In conventional trickling filter water treatment plants, organically contaminated water is treated by passing it over a packed bed of porous substrate material. The system requires mechanical aeration by pumps or fans. During the process microorganisms in the contaminated water form a biofilm on the packed bed surface. Over time the biofilm thickens and will eventually slough off, and is collected as sludge at the base of the reactor, from where the sludge needs to be removed. In this invention, a tower with a packed bed of porous substrate material is provided, designed efficiently distribute wastewater over the substrate, with the simultaneous draft of air in the opposite direction, ensuring effective aeration of the system without additional energy required to power aeration. Contaminated water enters the tower through the water inlet and a biofilm of a mixed population of microorganisms develops on the surface of the packed bed material. The biofilm covers a large surface area and as it thickens, it serves as a biological scrubber to remove and break down organic contaminants. The resulting biological sludge and solid waste matter is constantly removed by making use of a highly effective in-line separation method provided by the invention to produce a small volume concentrated waste stream and a separate filtered water stream.  Target Market: Wineries producing cellar effluent Production facilities that produce water with an organic waste component Wastewater management companies Value Proposition/Benefits: In conventional water filtrations systems, the biofilms that form during the filtration process are separated out or pumped to a separate collection tank. However, these conventional systems have to be stopped from time to time to remove the sediment.  This invention holds the following advantages over the conventional filtration system:    Biological contaminants and solid materials are continuously separated out of the water without the need to disrupt operation to clean the packed bed. No need to build an additional settling tank. The system does not use filters that need to be cleaned or can become clogged with use Only a small amount of waste is produced from the filtration process leading to a lower environmental impact. The design of the filter allows for a greater aeration rate than a conventional filter, allowing for quicker breakdown of organic matter The system has a smaller footprint than conventional filters of the kind None, or minimal construction of pre-fabricated components are required Small capital outlay to implement, especially if an existing water cooling tower is on site Unique Characteristics: Continuous biofiltration producing a stream of waste and a stream of filtered water System that separates solid and organic waste material from water in one tank No filters are used in the invention which means less clogging than traditional filtration systems Innovation Status: A provisional patent application has been filed (2014/01101). A working prototype has been developed. Final research is being done to determine capacity requirements for different effluent output volumes.